How To Make Your Makeup Last In A Heatwave

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On the JJ Barnes Blog, I check out tips from experts at Fresha for how to make your make up last in a heatwave as the UK heads into the summer heat at last!

Heatwave

All summer holidays, my girls and I have been waiting for the heat. We had a couple of good days, which we enjoyed with BBQs, dog walks, and playground visits, but most of the six weeks has been a dismal wash of grey drizzle.

As September has rolled around, my mind has turned to the glorious Spooky Season, and opportunities for black tights, tartan skirts and chunky boots. I’ve bought my girls warm clothes for school, and I’m bracing myself to lose my little playmates as they head back into the classroom. So, obviously, NOW we’re getting a heatwave.

Going back on the school run means I have to stop living in pyjamas and start looking respectable again (boooo!), but with the arrival of heat, humidity and sweat, the risk of oily forehead, and smeared mascara has me wondering how I can keep myself looking my best in the heat!

To help me out, experts at beauty and wellness marketplace Fresha have sent over some top tips on how to get your makeup to last during a heatwave, so you stay feeling confident and comfortable.

How To Make Your Makeup Last In A Heatwave

Swap your usual skincare for an SPF 

Sunscreen should be used all year round, not just during the summer months, but remember to use a higher SPF during seasons of higher UV to protect your skin.

If you’re worried about your skin’s hydration, most sunscreens are formulated with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides to keep you moisturised all day long.

You should reapply your sunscreen every four hours if you’re indoors and every two hours if you’re outdoors. If you have already applied makeup, you can use a spray-on sunscreen that makes reapplication easier. Keep your skin protected by applying an even layer of a spray SPF on top of your makeup regularly throughout the day.

Use a good primer

Prepping you skin before you apply your makeup is just as important, if not more important, than the makeup itself. If you don’t prep with a good primer first, your make up can look patchy and uneven which reduces the amount of time it will last for.

When you’re putting up on makeup for a special occasion in the heat, make sure take time with your preparation to give your make up the best chance of lasting for the whole event!

Consider the finish of your makeup

A dewy, natural glow is trendier than flatter, matte finish, but the warm weather always brings the risk of looking oily rather than fresh. Also, the heat can cause makeup to crease and sit in your pores.

Use an oil-free matte formula for a softer finish to keep your skin looking less oily, and minimise creasing.

Wear less product

It might seem obvious, but by wearing less on your skin, you will have fewer chances of ending the day with patchy makeup. Instead of using foundation, try tinted moisturiser, BB creams or CC creams. If you like to wear more, you could try a powder foundation, which will be one less liquid product on your face while still giving buildable coverage.

Skip highlighters and added shimmers

When you sweat, your body will produce a natural glow, so avoid shimmers and glittery highlighters to prevent your skin from looking greasy as the day goes on. If you need a little sheen, just remember, you want to look dewy and not sweaty. Apply highlighter in areas where you don’t get oily to allow your body’s natural shine to come through. You could apply a light powder throughout the day or use an oil wipe to clean off any sweat.

Lip stains over lipstick

Lip stains are a must-have for heatwave make up as they’re long-lasting and, most importantly, don’t budge! Lip stains are comfortable and moisturising, and come in various levels of coverage, which is great if you like to apply it a few times a day or just once.

Lip stains are a great option for attending events in the heat, as they are easy to apply and don’t take up much room in your bag. They are also quick and easy to apply as opposed to opting for a liner and lipstick.

Setting spray

In the heat, a setting spray is essential for the longevity of your makeup, as it will seal and lock in your whole face and keep it looking flawless. Apply the setting spray after each step of your makeup to secure a really budge-proof look, or you can use it just before or after you apply. Setting sprays are also great for dampening sponges or beauty blenders before blending liquid products and are cooling down your face throughout the day or night.

 Getting your makeup done professionally during a heat wave

If you are getting your makeup done professionally for an occasion, make sure you know exactly what the make up artist is using so you know what you might need to take for touch-ups. For example, if your artist is using a more oil-based foundation, take a small compact powder which you can use to reset your Tt-zone if you get oily.

You can also take your own preferred products to an artist and ask them to use those if you feel like you know exactly what you want and how each of those products work with your skin.

Many artists offer a trial makeup session, especially for proms, graduations and weddings, which is a great idea for getting a feel for what the makeup will look like on the day. Make sure you chat to your makeup artist about how long you want it to last, as they’ll likely have a few pro tricks up their sleeve.

Extra tips that will ensure long-lasting makeup in the heat:

• Try waterproof products, especially if you will be in the pool or at the beach.
• Use a matte bronzer over shimmery bronzer. This will prevent looking oily as the day goes on.
• Use an oil-free moisturiser which will prevent greasiness throughout the day.
• Avoid using eye creams on your eyelids before makeup. Instead opt for an eye shadow primer.
• Carry mini-products with you for top-ups throughout the day. This means you can touch up at any point without taking up much room in your bag.
• After applying lip liner and lipstick, use a similar colour eyeshadow or translucent powder on the top to lock in colour and prevent lip liner bleeding.